The ASCEND 2024 conference, aiming to accelerating humanities off world future will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 30- to August 1. The conference will bring together an impressive lineup of 1,550 people to discuss space ecosystem. I could not be more excited to be one of Higher Orbit's representatives!
As a rising high school senior, the event will be pivotal in helping me explore different professions, majors, and colleges. Having the opportunity to be around experts will undoubtfully be inspirational and encouraging in pursuing my dreams.
As a woman in STEM, I love to mingle with other women who overcome obstacles in their fields. These women, including fantastic Ms. Michelle Lucas, paved the way for young women to reach for the stars. During the previous 2023 conference, there were attendees from 30 different countries. Each of them with different backgrounds, and expertise.
It will be challenging to keep up with presentations and meeting people, but I hope to learn as much as possible. Numerous tracks for panels, and technical paper sessions will be ongoing simultaneously. Some that I am most looking forward to are related to the role of machine learning in aerospace, launch systems, and rovers at work.
For an aspiring engineer, these sessions will be helpful in becoming more familiar with the industry trends.
Major industry organizations will be represented as well. This is a great opportunity for all levels of students to network for future internships and employment. Whether it be through research, hands-on activities, or shadowing, I love to immerse myself and learn as much as possible.
The Higher Orbits panel on July 31 from 1:00-2:00 pm local (PT) is not one to miss! Three Higher Orbits students, Zahra Ali, Kaley Eaton, and myself, will share details from our journeys and the pivotal role of Higher Orbits in them. This is a chance to showcase Higher Orbits to prospective students as well as other professionals in the field and highlight how incredible this non-profit is. I am very grateful to be representing Higher Orbits and making the most of this experience! Upon return, impressions will be shared with a local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) chapter that I am a member of.
Written by Stella Ristic
